Charges dropped against John Mara

Updated 9:30 pm, Friday, October 4, 2013

BRIDGEPORT -- A Bridgeport judge dismissed assault charges against John Mara, nephew of New Yorks Giants owner John Mara, after a state prosecutor admitted in court that Fairfield police arrested the wrong man.

Mara, 22, of Mount Kisco, N.Y., turned himself in to Fairfield police in February on assault charges.

According to a police report, the charges stemmed from a New Year's Eve party on Fairfield Beach Road. Mara allegedly struck someone over the head with a bottle, police said, causing life-threatening injuries that required immediate surgery.

Mara was charged with first-degree assault and second-degree breach of peace. The name of the victim was not released. The arrest was the result of a two-month investigation.

However on Friday, the charges were dropped after State's Attorney John Smriga told the judge police arrested the wrong man.

William Dow, Mara's lawyer, said in a statement: "All charges have now been dismissed. From the very beginning, Jack Mara swore he was innocent. He did not assault the complainant. The evidence has proven his innocence.

"We are gratified that the state has agreed and that the charges are dismissed.

"Jack is an outstanding young man and has a bright future. He and his family intend to move on from this unfortunate incident."

On Friday morning, Mara, left the Bridgeport courthouse with his parents after a judge dismissed the assault charges.